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Too much stuff, not enough space—it’s a plight that city dwellers, parents, and collectors all face. Too quickly, books, shoes, matchbooks, memorabilia, extension cords, and general knickknacks build up seemingly of their own volition, and we’re left fighting our stuff for every square inch of space. To combat the clutter, we polled an array of design experts with small-space savvy to share their stylish secrets. Ahead, discover their tips, which encourage you to think outside of the usual plastic storage box.
Canvas Totes
Boat and Tote, Open Top
L.L. BEAN
We use these to line the shelving in our studio, for stone, fabric, paint samples, etc. I also love the look and texture of these—sturdy but lightweight. —Liz Dutton, founder, Liz Dutton Interiors
Boot Rack
4-Pair Boot Rack
CONTAINER STORE
On a planet overburdened by unnecessary stuff, I like to find ways to repurpose vintage and secondhand items in order to organize our 900-square-foot home and our clients’ small spaces. One example is when I used an old wood boot rack as wall-mounted stemware storage, putting vertical space to good use while freeing up valuable inches in our cabinets for necessities such as packaged pantry goods and emergency supplies. —Whitney Leigh Morris, small-space consultant, designer, and author
Simple Steel Containers
Recycled Steel Box
PUEBCO ONLINE MARKET
I like to use these in a living room on shelves. They can house anything from old Polaroids to matchbooks to memorabilia from your wedding. They are slightly masculine and unexpected, but not too fussy. There are also smaller ones with partitions for cotton swabs and floss! —Liz Dutton
Functional Yet Decorative Boxes
Glass Decorative Box
WAYFAIR
We’ve been working on our new studio, so organization and storage have been top of mind. We’re currently using an antique wardrobe that we’ve packed to the brim with various stacking units, hanging storage, and drawers. We made it work because we didn’t want to sacrifice style! I’m a big fan of using vintage decorative trays, boxes, and containers for storing small items like matches, pens, and business cards. Not only does this keep everything tidy, it adds a unique touch to the space. In design, every piece has to matter, and even the smallest storage solutions can be both functional and stylish. —Amanda Jacobs, principal designer, Amanda Jacobs Design
Wire Egg Baskets
Metal Wire Egg Basket
AMAZON
We have a large, deep window over our sink where we store veggies, fruits, and even dried herbs in vintage wire egg baskets across the sill à la Joan Didion. —Liz Dutton
Hanging Closet Organizer
Hanging Closet Organizer
CONTAINER STORE
I’m someone who admittedly prides myself on scrappy DIY projects for solving my small-space storage conundrums, but last fall I invested in a hanging closet organizer from the Container Store and haven’t looked back. It’s been such a versatile and hardworking solution in the small closet I share with my husband and three kids. Currently, it’s the place where we store all of our sweaters and bulky sweatshirts. —Erin Boyle, coauthor of Making Things: Finding Use, Meaning, and Satisfaction in Crafting Everyday Objects
Wardrobe Unit With Custom Doors
IKEA Pax Wardrobe
IKEA
The primary bedroom in a recent project did not have a generous walk-in-closet, and we wanted to make sure there was enough clothing storage. So we decided to create full-height closets that opened into the bedroom. We wanted something a bit more elevated than a typical closet door, something that would look like custom millwork. We decided to purchase an IKEA Pax closet unit, but instead of installing the typical IKEA doors, we ordered doors from Reform that could be custom painted any color. We requested they be painted the same color as the trim throughout the entire project, so they have become a really clever architectural element in the space. It works really well; the interior drawers and organizers from IKEA keep everything tidy, and the doors blend in seamlessly with the architecture. —Andrea Fisk, principal, Shapeless Studio
Storage Ottoman
Daisy Storage Bench
WEST ELM
In small spaces, I’m always on the lookout for clever ways to squeeze in more seating for get-togethers. Storage ottomans are a great option—they’re cozy and have a secret compartment to tuck away little treasures! —Amanda Jacobs
Storage-Forward Side Tables
Lumi Upholstered Storage Side Table
WEST ELM
For even more limited solutions, consider a storage pouf (or a pair) that provides additional seating, storage, and even a side table. These are great in a living room where you don’t quite have enough space for a coffee table but might want a spot to rest a drink or store an extra blanket. —Shamika Lynch, Maximizing Tiny Interiors
Pretty Catchalls
Hand-Painted Ceramic Fish Dish
VESTIGE
I love a catchall. I use dishes and bowls everywhere in my house to collect candles, incense, and matches (and their holders); for keys in our entryway; and for decorative or playful objects (like piles of random Scrabble letters) on top of books on coffee tables. —Liz Dutton
Functional Bench
Wynter Storage Bench
LULU and GEORGIA
This storage bench from Lulu and Georgia could be useful at the foot of a bed for extra linen storage or in an entryway as a perch to put shoes on and stow away shoes that aren’t in use. —Shamika Lynch
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